Published by Mad Cave Studios, Over The Ropes Vol 1 is written by Jay Sandlin, illustrated by Antonello Cosentino, coloured by Franceso Segala and lettered by Justin Birch. Volume 1 collects issues #1-5 of the main series.
Over The Ropes Volume 1 is available now in print and on digital where all good comics are sold. Grab your digital copy from Comixology right here.
Synopsis
Step Over the Ropes and into 1990s wrestling. Set in a fictional world, Over the Ropes dives into sports entertainment’s biggest era. A young high-flyer named Jason Lynn goes off-script in a match to win the world title and sets the southern territory on fire as the face-painted wrestler, Phoenix. Jason’s battles between the ropes are only outperformed by his struggles outside the ring. First dates. Crooked promoters. Cage matches. Factions and families. No matter what problems smack him with a steel chair.
Review
Being a huge fan of pro wrestling from childhood I was interested to see what Over The Ropes was all about as soon as I set eyes on the cover, another wrestling story will definitely do for me, however what I did get was a story that goes beyond the Ropes and delves deeper into the shady side of the backstage world.
The incredible story telling talents of Sandlin shines through on every page as once you get on the first page you are captured by the story and taken on an emotionally dark ride through the independant wrestling world, with it not relenting until the end you will definitely need a chair for this one.
The story follows a young maverick wrestler Jason, who goes by the stage name of Phoenix and bares a striking resemblance to one of all time favourite wrestlers Sting, as he begins to make his mark on the industry. Unfortunately for him SFW shady promoter and owner Ramblin Ricky Radison has other ideas. Once Phoenix goes against Radison’s plan then life becomes alot more difficult for the much loved fan favourite Phoenix.
The story in the ring is entertainment but the story Sandlin tells us from beyond the ropes is the gripping part between the shady goings on from management to family issues and even a screw job thrown in for good measure, a definite page turner that will definitely turn into the series to look out for.
The illustrations from Cosentino are immensely detailed but also done in such a way it grabs the attention of the reader and takes them through this dark journey, finished off expertly by Segala capturing the vibe of the book with dark and warmth of the story with the dark colours and tones used.
Not only is the story immensely entertaining you also have under meanings to it around friendships and families, so very well thought out.
Verdict
A definite must have in the collection. Whether you are a wrestling fan or not you will find the book entertaining. Being a wrestling fan I can’t wait to see where the story goes next.
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